Gustard: May preferred to Rokoduguni

Defence coach Paul Gustard says Jonny May is the best option to face Argentina after Semesa Rokoduguni was released from the England squad.

Rokoduguni impressed on his return to international rugby last weekend, scoring two tries to be named the man of the match in a 58-15 win over Fiji at Twickenham.

However, he has since returned to his club Bath, as May prepares to play on the wing against the Pumas on Saturday.

"We look from week one to week two," Gustard said.

"Jonny May had a good game against South Africa, scored a try in the first Test, and on a game-by-game basis we have to pick the team that we think is most appropriate for the threats we are going to face and for the opportunities we want to exploit.

"So he [Rokoduguni], along with several others, miss out on the fixture this weekend."

In a separate interview with the BBC, he added: "Roko acquitted himself pretty well, and this is one game he is not chosen for.

"It is not a reflection of anything that will come after that."

England remain unbeaten under Eddie Jones as they prepare to defend the Six Nations title early next year, but Gustard knows the players and backroom staff will be held to uncompromisingly high standards by the demanding head coach.

"There has been some really good, positive signs post Australia," he said.

"Unfortunately we have slipped a couple of unbelievably soft tries which is disappointing.

"In the 78th minute against South Africa we got caught a little on the short side after defending really well, and then the Fiji tries were soft.

"We are better than that, but stats don't always reflect the performance of the team.

"We have looked into them [the mistakes]. It is easy to look back at footage and say this is why this happened, we've spoken as a group about the need to raise our level again, and that is what we are going to do, we had a great day yesterday [Tuesday] and look forward to Saturday.

"Can we be better? Yes. Are we the same group that conceded four tries in the Six Nations? Yes. We've not quite hit our straps yet. We know we can be better, and we will be better on Saturday."